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In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of adult toys, showcasing that play isn’t just for kids.
This trend has even gained recognition from the prestigious Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards, which introduced a “Grown-Up Toy of the Year” category.
Let’s explore some of the most popular categories of kidult toys. We have also included some toys that featured in the Toy Association ” Toy of the Year Awards” in the Grown-Up category.
Plus, you’ll find expert videos and resources for even more insight into the power of Play & Toys!
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Table summery of Kidults Toys by Categories
| Kidult Toy Category | Why Adults Love Them |
|---|---|
| Lego Sets | Offer complex building challenges that stimulate problem-solving and focus. Themes tap into nostalgia and create aesthetically pleasing display pieces. |
| Plush Toys | Provide tactile comfort and reduce anxiety. They foster emotional connections through childhood favorites or new collectible companions. |
| Board Games | Encourage social interaction, mental stimulation, and strategic thinking. The vast range of genres caters to varied interests. |
| Puzzle Games | Promote logical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and offer satisfying completion. Diverse puzzle formats provide varied challenges. |
| Fidget Toys | Provide a discreet outlet for nervous energy and can improve focus for some individuals. The variety accommodates individual needs. |
| Desk Toys | Offer moments of amusement, visual interest, and can demonstrate scientific principles. Ideal for fostering mindfulness and brief mental breaks. |
| Arts & Crafts | Facilitate creative expression, relaxation, and the development of artistic skills. Completed projects offer a sense of accomplishment. |
| Action Figures | Allow for tangible connections with beloved pop culture characters and can be striking display pieces. Offer collectible appeal and nostalgic value. |
| Collectibles | Connect individuals to popular culture or reignite childhood passions. Some collectibles hold potential for value appreciation. |
| Video Games | Deliver immersive experiences, opportunities for self-expression in virtual worlds, and a diverse range of storytelling and creative gameplay mechanics. |
According to Blomberg , 58% of parents surveyed reported purchasing toys for themselves. The increase in adults purchasing toys can be attributed to a combination of factors, driven primarily by a desire for entertainment, stress relief, and nostalgia.
Popular & Trending Kidult Toys on amazon.com
- LEGO® Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 LEGO Systems, Inc.
- LEGO® The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell™ by LEGO Systems, Inc.
- Bugatti Electric Scooter on amazon.com
- Care Bears 14” Grumpy Bear Plushie
- BUNMO Magnetic Rings Fidget Toys for Adults
- Chicken vs Hotdog by Big Potato Games
- Flyer™ Folding Cargo eBike by Radio Flyer
- Kanoodle® Pyramid by Educational Insights
Lego Sets for Adults
Lego has brilliantly adapted to the adult market. Their Adult Lego sets offer these distinct advantages:
- Intricate Challenges: Lego sets like the Architecture series or Technic series provide complex builds that stimulate problem-solving and focus.
- Nostalgic Value: Themes like Star Wars or classic buildings offer a chance to revisit beloved aspects of childhood.
- Display-Worthy Creations: Completed Lego sets are a source of pride and beautiful additions to any adult space.
Plush or Plushies for Adults
Plush toys hold a special place in the hearts of adults for several reasons:
- Comfort and Stress Relief: Soft plushies like Squishmallows or weighted plushies provide tactile comfort and can help with anxiety.
- Emotional Connection: Many adults find comfort in childhood plushies, while new collectibles offer a sense of companionship.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Plush toys come in a huge range of styles, from cute to realistic animals, offering décor options.
Electric Scooters for Adults
- Zip around town: Adult-sized electric scooters offer a fun and eco-friendly way to travel shorter distances.
- Embrace your inner kid: Experience the joy of scooting, now with the added power to commute or explore.
- Practical fun: Electric scooters can be a convenient way to run errands, get to work, or just enjoy your neighborhood.
Fidget Toys for Adults
Sometimes, simple tactile stimulation is precisely what adults need to combat stress:
- Stress Relief: Manipulating fidget toys can be a discreet way to release nervous energy.
- Improved Focus: Fidget toys can help some adults focus better on tasks or during meetings.
- Variety: From fidget cubes to spinner rings, there’s a fidget toy to suit individual preferences.
Desk Toys
Desk toys offer moments of amusement, relaxation, and even scientific curiosity:
- Kinetic Sculptures: Kinetic toys mesmerizing sculptures provide a calming visual focus.
- Physics-Based Toys: Newton’s cradles or balancing games provide a satisfying demonstration of physics.
- Miniature Zen Gardens: These tiny gardens promote mindfulness and relaxation.
Board Games for Adults
Board games provide a fantastic way for adults to socialize, unwind, and challenge themselves:
- Diverse Options: Whether you enjoy strategy games, party games, or cooperative games, there’s something for everyone.
- Mental Stimulation: Board games encourage strategic thinking, problem-solving, and social skills.
- Social Connection: Playing with friends or family strengthens bonds and provides shared experiences.
Action Figures
Action figures bring beloved characters from pop culture to life, providing adults with a tangible connection to their passions. Here’s why adults love them:
- Collectible Appeal: Highly detailed figures offer a way to curate a collection that reflects one’s interests.
- Display Potential: Action figures make striking additions to an adult’s décor, showcasing their fandoms.
- Nostalgic Connection: Collecting figures from childhood can be a powerful way to revisit those memories.
Puzzle Games for Adults
Puzzle enthusiasts find joy and mental stimulation in these forms:
- Jigsaw Puzzles: Classic jigsaw puzzles with intricate designs and high piece counts offer a challenge.
- 3D Puzzles: Assembling 3D models provides a unique sense of accomplishment and creates display pieces.
- Escape Room Puzzles: These combine puzzles with narratives, making them exciting and collaborative.
Arts & Crafts and Building Sets
Kidults can unleash their creativity and find relaxation through:
- Detailed Model Building: Model kits offer precision building challenges and create impressive results.
- Artful Expression: Diamond painting, adult coloring pages, coloring posters for adults and needlework provide creative outlets with beautiful outcomes.
Collectibles
The joy of collecting taps into our childhood passions while providing a sense of ownership:
- Pop Culture Connections: Action figures and Funko Pops bring beloved characters to life.
- Nostalgic Appeal: Collecting vintage toys offers a tangible link to the past.
- Investment Potential: Some collectibles, like trading cards, may have appreciate in value.
Video Games
Video games provide adults with immersive experiences and unique forms of relaxation:
- Exploration and Adventure: Open-world games offer unparalleled freedom and stunning virtual worlds.
- Role-Playing and Storytelling: RPGs let players craft characters and shape narratives.
- Creative Expression: Simulation games allow players to build and manage their own worlds.
Embracing the “Kidult” Trend
The popularity of kidult toys reflects a healthy shift towards embracing playfulness and honoring our passions at any age. These toys offer stress relief, mental stimulation, creative expression, and a sense of joyful connection with our inner child.
Let’s help Kidults choose the best toys! Share this if you agree.
Resources
- Bloomberg: Adults Who Love Toys
- Help Guide Org: The Benefits of Play for Adults
- Toy Foundation: 58 Percent of Parents Report Buying Toys for Themselves